And the favourite, Tracy Brabin, is a former actress who starred in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders during her television career. As well as politics and acting, Tracy is also renowned for her television writing, having scripted episodes for the likes of Tracy Beaker, Hollyoaks and Shameless.

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Brabin perhaps most famously played Tricia Armstrong in Manchester-based soap Coronation Street between 1994 and 1997, acting alongside characters like Vera Duckworth, Deirdre Barlow and Curly Watts. But in recent times, Tracy has turned her attention to politics and is now in the running for the seat left unexpectedly vacant by Jo Cox's tragic death.

Tracy Brabin

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Brabin is up against only one other candidate for the seat - environmental campaigner Jane Thomas - but the former actress is thought to be voted in when the by-election occurs later this year.

Describing the seat's predecessor Jo Cox, Tracy called her as a "true inspiration and an extraordinary woman".

Due to the fact that neither the Conservative, UKIP or Lib Dem parties chose to contest the seat, acknowledging that as Jo Cox had been a Labour party member it would rightly go to someone of the same party, there are only the two female candidates in the running.

The late MP's replacement will be announced following the constituency by-election on October 20th.

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